THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Billy Underwood, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. 9/11's anniversary is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Billy L. Underwood

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy L. Underwood (MCSN: 2340074), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1969, Private First Class Underwood's platoon was assigned to assist a squad of an adjacent platoon which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched, battalion-sized North Vietnamese Army unit in the Hieu Dic District of Quang Nam Province. As the reaction force entered an open rice paddy and was moving toward the hostile positions, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from enemy soldiers concealed in high grass. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Underwood unhesitatingly led his fire team in an aggressive assault upon the hostile positions and boldly engaged two North Vietnamese in hand-to-hand combat, killing them. Continuing his determined efforts, he then participated in an attack upon a tree line, in which the enemy command post was entrenched, and resolutely led his men forward against the hostile force. When the platoon was temporarily pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, Private First Class Underwood was unable to maneuver his team. Fearlessly moving alone to a more advantageous position from which to return fire upon the hostile force, he was mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire. His heroic and timely action inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's accounting for thirty-six hostile soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Underwood upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Platoon 366. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on July 25, 1968.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.

Dear PFC Billy Louis Underwood, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy L. Underwood (MCSN: 2340074), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1969, Private First Class Underwood's platoon was assigned to assist a squad of an adjacent platoon which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched, battalion-sized North Vietnamese Army unit in the Hieu Dic District of Quang Nam Province. As the reaction force entered an open rice paddy and was moving toward the hostile positions, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from enemy soldiers concealed in high grass. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Underwood unhesitatingly led his fire team in an aggressive assault upon the hostile positions and boldly engaged tow North Vietnamese in hand-to-hand combat, killing them. Continuing his determined efforts, he then participated in an attack upon a tree line, in which the enemy command post was entrenched, and resolutely led his men forward against the hostile force. When the platoon was temporarily pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, Private First Class Underwood was unable to maneuver his team. Fearlessly moving alone to a more advantageous position from which to return fire upon the hostile force, he was mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire. His heroic and timely action inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's accounting for thirty-six hostile soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Underwood upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Action Date: February 23, 1969

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF